Log-sorting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A log-sorting apparatus includes a trough conveyor having a continuously driven endless chain moving closely spaced logs endwise past several sorting stations spaced along the conveyor. Kicker arm devices at one side of the conveyor at each station rotate across the log path to push a selected log from the opposite side thereof. The displaced log engages both a backstop and an endstop which limit its lateral and endwise movement and deflect it downwardly to an appropriate cross conveyor. Each kicker arm device has a pair of horizontal kicker arms radiating in opposite directions from a common vertical shaft. In their inactive conditions, the arms extend alongside the conveyor. When activated by the presence of a selected log, the shaft rotates through one-half a revolution so that only one of the two arms of each device swings horizontally across the conveyor to push the selected log therefrom.

United States Patent Roderick, Jr. Aug. 13, 1974 LOG- RTI APPARATUS Primary Examiner-Richard A. Schacher [75] Inventor: Olsen Roderick, Jr., Beaverton, Attorney F 9 9 9 Sparkman,

0mg- Campbell, Leigh, Hall & Whmston [73] Assignee: Kockum Industries Incorporated,

Talladega, Ala.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A log-sorting apparatus includes a trough conveyor having a continuously driven endless chain moving closely spaced logs endwise past several sorting stations spaced along the conveyor. Kicker arm devices at one side of the conveyor at each station rotate across the log'path to push a selected log from the opposite side thereof. The displaced log engages both a backstop and an endstop which limit its lateral and endwise movement and deflect it downwardly to an appropriate cross conveyor. Each kicker arm device has a pair of horizontal kicker arms radiating in opposite directions from a common vertical shaft. In their inactive conditions, the arms extend alongside the conveyor. When activated by the presence of a selected log, the shaft rotates through one-half a revolution so that only one of the two arms of each device swings horizontally across the conveyor to push the selected log therefrom.

29 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PAIENI AUG] 31914 .sazn 1 or LOG-SORTING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION -l. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to apparatus for sorting logs and similar objects and more particularly to a device for displacing such objects laterally from a continuously moving conveyor to a selected sorting station.

2. Description of the Prior Art There have been many prior devices for diverting logs moving endwise along a moving conveyor to a selected sorting area. Most of these have had one feature in common, namely, a kicker arm which moves across the path of the log and then back again in a plane perpendicular to the path of the log in a reciprocatory or oscillatory motion. This type of motion has one distinct disadvantage. It requires a relatively slow-speed travel of the logs along a conveyor with considerable space between the ends of adjacent logs to give the kicker arms time to move across the path of a selected log and back before the next log arrives at the kickers. As a result, the sorting of logs has been a relatively slow-speed operation to date. Recently, however, with the development of high-speed sawmills capable of cutting relatively small logs into lumber, the need has arisen for high-speed log sorters capable of sorting logs into diameter, length or species classifications very rapidly to meet the demands of such small log mills.

One suggestion for speeding up log sorting has been to mount rotating kicker arms on a horizontal shaft above and parallel to the log conveyor path so that the kicker arms rotate across such path in a plane normal to such path. A major disadvantage of this type of kicker is the inaccuracy of the final endwise placement of logs after their displacement by the kicker. This problem increases as conveying speeds increase and as log lengths decrease. While this arrangement would eliminate the need for a back-and-forth movement of the kicker arms to displace a single log, the cost of mounting such an overhead system having sufficient stability is often prohibitive.

Another unsolved problem inherent in high-speed log sorting is the difficulty in laterally deflecting logs moving endwise at high speed into neat stacks or straight lines for subsequent handling.

Accordingly, there is still a distinct need for a logsorting system that is reasonable in cost, accurate, dependable and yet capable of greatly increasing the speed of sorting logs without increasing the problem of handling the sorted logs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION vof simultaneously operable kicker devices at each sorting station with each device including two 180 opposed kicker arms mounted on a common central vertical shaft. Normally the arms extend along the conveyor path, but when activated by the presence of a selected log they rotate 180 so that one arm of each device moves horizontally through the log pathfrom one side to displace the log from the opposite side of the path.

With such kicker devices logs can be moved rapidly and in close end-to-end spacing because only one kicker arm need pass only once across the log conveyor path to displace a log and to ready the device for displacing a succeeding log. The speed of operation is also enhanced by preferably moving the kicker arms across the log conveyor path in the general direction of movement of the logs along such path. With such an arrangement adjacent logs need be spaced only slightly, just enough for a log sensor to detect successive logs at a station.

Another feature of the invention is a log-limiting means including a backstop and an endstop providing a log-squaring action and limiting lateral and endwise displacement of a log by the kickers so that displaced logs are neatly piled or arranged in straight lines with one set of their ends or their centers in approximate alignment. This means defines a pocket into which each displaced log is received and, because of the squaring action of the backstop, enables the use of only a single kicker device at each station if desired.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a log-sorting apparatus that is capable of a much higher rate of sorting than is possible with existing equipment.

Other objects include the provision of a sorting system that is accurate and dependable in operation and low in cost.

Additional objects include the provision of l) a new type of kicker device and (2) a means for limiting lateral and endwise displacement of a log by the kicker device.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a foreshortened plan view of a sorting system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a foreshortened side elevational view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken approximatley along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3 on the same scale as FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a partially schematic top plan view of one of the kicker devices illustrating the operation of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION GENERAL ARRANGEMENT tending under the trough conveyor from the longitudinal frame member at intervals along the length of the latter. The transverse frame members support the trough conveyor structure in an elevated position as best shown in FIG. 2 so that logs can be removed from the trough conveyor along a path extending beneath such conveyor.

Positioned at intervals along the length of the trough conveyor are a series of sorting stations indicated generally at and designated specifically 20a, 20b XI and 200. Although only three such sorting stations are shown in the foreshortened views of FIGS. 1 and 2, there might be many more than this depending on the number of sorts required by the user.

At each sorting station a pair of rotaory kicker means 22 is provided along one side of the trough conveyor for selectively kicking logs from the opposite side of the conveyor. At the opposite side of the conveyor at each station, means are also provided for limiting the lateral and endwise movement of a log displaced from the conveyor by the kicker devices. Such limiting means includes a rearwardly pivotable backstop 24 and an endstop 26. Together these stops define a pocket 28 between the backstop in its retracted position and the trough conveyor through which displaced logs drop onto a cross conveyor indicated schematically at 30 extending beneath the trough conveyor. The backstop serves to square the displaced logs, that is, align the logs in parallel relation to one another on the cross conveyor while the endstop ensures that one set of ends 31 of logs l are in alignment on the cross conveyor.

Each sorting station also includes means for detecting the presence of a selected log at such station. The illustrated log detector is a photosensing means including a light source 34 and a photocell unit 36. The source 34 is shown positioned between the pair of kicker devices 22 on one side of the trough conveyor with the photocell unit 36 being positioned in alignment with the light source on the opposite side of the trough conveyor behind backstop 24. Light is transmitted from the source to the photocell unit through an opening (not shown) provided in the backstop. The photosensor in this case operates by sensing the leading end of a log traveling along the trough conveyor and signaling the presence of the selected log to a central control means (not shown), which in turn energizes the motor that drives the pair of kicker devices 22, to kick the selected log from the trough conveyor. An adjustable time delay in the electrical control circuitry is used to hold" the electrical signal for a fraction of a second after the signal is given by the photocell. This allows time for the detected log to advance 1 or 2 feet to a position that is most advantageous for operation of the kickers.

KICKER DEVICES Each one of the pair of rotary kicker devices 22 at each station includes a pair of kicker arms 40, 41 extending horizontally in opposite directions from a common hub 56 fixed to a vertically extending central shaft ing upwardly beyond kicker arms 40, 41. The shaft extension is coupled by a sleeve coupling 50 to the drive shaft 51 of a hydraulic motor 52. This motor is fastened to a motor mounting plate 53 forming the upper end closure of a tubular bearing casing 54. The casing mounts a first flange bearing 57 at its lower end immediately above arm hub 56 for shaft extension 42a. The interior of the bearing housing 54 is divded horizontally by a partition 58 mounting a second flange bearing 60 for the same shaft extension.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that hydraulic motor 52 drives directly one kicker arm device of the pair 22 at each station and drives the other kicker device of the pair indirectly through the chain 48 and sprocket 47 drive between the pair. Tubular casing 54 which mounts each kicker drive motor 52 includes a stabilizing arm 62 which extends horizontally to a rigid support post 64 on the conveyor frame to resist torsional and vibrational forces induced by rotation of motor 52 and its connected driven elements.

When in an inactive condition, each kicker arm 40, 41 extends longitudinally generally alongside the trough conveyor 12. When log detectors 34, 36 detect the presence of a log to be displaced at a given station, hydraulic motor 52 for the corresponding kickers is energized for only a sufficient period to rotate kicker arms 40, 41 through one-half a revolution, or about so that only one of the two arms 40, 41 of each kicker device 22 swings horizontally through the conveyor path to kick the selected log from the trough conveyor. Thus at the end of one complete operating cycle of one set of kicker devices 22, the relative positions of arms 40, 41 of the actuated kicker device are reversed, and the kicker device is conditioned for its next operating cycle.

Each arm 40, 41 as shown best in FIGS. 3 and 6, is of sufficient length to extend across the full width of the trough conveyor to ensure that a selected log is pushed completely from such conveyor. Each kicker arm is also positioned vertically at a level just above the upper extremity of the trough conveyor to ensure positive engagement with a log traveling along the conveyor path when one of the arms swings across such path.

As will be apparent from the description thus far, the path of travel of a log traveling endwise along the trough conveyor is identified herein as the conveyor path, identified at 65 in FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment such conveyor path is horizontal, and both kicker arms of each kicker device lie and move in a common horizontal plane, indicated at 64 in FIG. 3, which passes through the conveyor path. The vertical rotational axis of the arms 41, 42, indicaed at 66 in FIG. 3, is normal to the plane of rotation of arms 64 and to conveyor path 65. The same relationship between the rotational axis of the kicker arms, the plane of swinging movement of the kicker arms and the conveyor path will, of course, prevail regardless of the orientation of the conveyor path. Thus, for example, if the conveyorpath 65 is at an inclination to the horizontal,.

kicker arms 40 and 41 will be arranged so that they still swing in a plane of the conveyor path, and the rotational axis of the arms will still be normal to such plane and the conveyor path.

Log Displacement Limiting Means Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, each backstop 24 comprises a large rectangular frame structure extending in a direction alongside the conveyor path throughout substantially the full length of a sorting station. The structure includes a log-confronting face plate portion 70 at the level of the conveyor path and kicker arms. This face plate is secured to the upper forward edges of vertically extending backstop frame members 72 which are maintained in spaced relationship by horizontally extending brace members 73, 74. The forward portion of this grid-like frame structure described is closed by a large frontal plate 75 below face plate 70. The rear portion of the backstop structure remains open.

The lower end of the backstop structure is welded to a tubular pivot shaft 76, the opposite ends of which extend well beyond the side edges of the backstop frame structure itself. These ends are mounted for pivoting movement in bearings 77 carried by the transverse base frame members b. A pair of pivot arms 78 projects rearwardly from each end of pivot shaft 76. These arms are connected to an ear 79 of base frame member 10a by a compression spring member 80 which urges the backstop .to a forwardly inclined position such that its log-confronting face 70 lies closely adjacent to the side of the trough conveyor opposite the kicker arms, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3.

When a log L traveling along trough conveyor 12 is displaced laterally from the trough by, for example, kicker arm 40 as shown in FIG. 3, the log is pushed by such arm against face 70 of backstop 24 to position L, squaring the log (which may be kicked askew by the kicker arms) with the face of the backstop and at the same time forcing the backstop to pivot rearwardly to its full-line position in FIG. 3. As kicker arm 40 completes its 180 arc of travel, log L, now squared, drops downwardly between the trough conveyor and the backstop through the space or pocket 28 onto cross conveyor 30 (FIG. 1) or other suitable log-receiving means. The cross conveyor then carries the displaced log under the elevated trough conveyor away from the sorting apparatus. As soon as the displaced log drops through the pocket, spring member 80 urges backstop 24 back to its forwardmost position.

The squaring action of the backstop makes it possible to kick relatively short logs (for example, logs up to 12 to 16 feet in length) from the conveyor using only one kicker arm device where heretofore a pair of kickers was required to kick any length of log. One arm kicking using such a backstop may be particularly advantageous in high-speed sorting of logs of mixed lengths, especially where the displaced logs are to be indexed, or aligned, at their centers rather than at their ends.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, endstop 26 includes a long, generally upright stop member 82 of generally U- shaped cross section having a web portion 83 facing in a direction to confront an end of a log displaced by the kicker arms. Stop member 82 extends upwardly at least to the level of the conveyor path and kicker arms. The lower end of member 82 is mounted on a pivot shaft 84 journaled in bearings 85 for pivoting movement about an axis normal to the conveyor path and pivot axis of the backstop and thus in the same general direction as the movement of logs along the conveyor. Bearings 85 are mounted on pedestal members 81 carried by I- beam cross frame member 10c forming part of the base frame.

Endstop member 82 is normally urged to a position at a slight forward inclination member 86 of tubular cross section. Member 86 serves as a compression cured to a backing plate 87 affixed to a rear side of backstop 82 by a clamping plate 88 and suitable fasteners 89. The opposite side of the elastomer member is connected in a similar manner by a clamping plate 90 to a stop plate 91 anchored to a longitudinal frame plate 92 of the trough conveyor by a gusset plate 93. Thus stop plate 91 serves to limit rearward pivotal movement of the endstop when struck by a displaced log. Of course, when the displaced logs are to be indexed at their centers rather than at their leading ends, the end stop would be eliminated.

Operation In operation logs move continuously at high speed endwise at closely spaced intervals along trough conveyor 14 from left to right in FIG. 1 past the various sorting stations. Upstream of the first such station, each log is graded and the desired sort selected either automatically or manually in accordance with practices and equipment well known in the field. The sort selection is then usually fed into a memory bank and stored there until a given log arrives at its preselected station along the trough conveyor. The log arrival is sensed by the photosensing means 34, 36, which signals the sorter control means to commence an operating cycle of the kicker arm devices 22 of the selected station.

The sequence of operation upon approach of a predetermined log to a selected sorting station 20b is depicted schematically in FIG. 6. As the log L approaches the kicking devices of the sorting station at position L kicker arm 40 is in the position 40a extendingupstream alongside trough conveyor 12. When the leading end of such log is detected by photosensors 34, 36, positioned between the two kicker devices 22, there is a slight time delay and then hydraulic motor 52 for such kicker devices is energized to rotate arm 40 of each device in a clockwise direction in FIG. 6, which is in the general direction of movement of log L. As this occurs, log L is displaced from its position L on the trough conveyor to the position L by rotation of kicker arm 40 to position 40b. In this position, log L is pushed by the arm against backstop 24, thus squaring the log and pushing the backstop rearwardly from its initial position 24a to a slightly retracted position 24b. Continued clockwise rotation of kicker arm 40 through 90 places it at position 40c at which point log L is completely displaced from the trough conveyor to position L in the pocket 28 now defined by the space between the trough conveyor and the still-retracting backstop, now in position 24c. At this point the leading end of log L strikes endstop 26, ending the logs endwise travel and ensuring alignment of the leading end of the log with the leading ends of logs previously displaced.

Continued rotation of kicker arms 40 thereafter retracts such arm from the log. The log, now completely removed from the trough conveyor, drops vertically through'pocket 28 onto cross conveyor 30 for removal from the sorting station. When the log drops through the pocket, backstop 24 returns to its forwardmost position alongside the trough conveyor under the influence of compression spring 80. At this point kicker arm 40 has rotated through a complete operating cycle to the position 40d extending downstream alongside the trough conveyor, having moved through approximately one-half a revolution or about 180 during such cycle. At the same time, opposing arm 41 has moved through a one-half revolution to the position 40a formerly occupied by arm 40, ready to displace the next log destined for that station.

Asorting system in accordance with the present invention has been designed to sort logs accurately and dependably at conveyor speeds of at least 400 feet per minute with the logs in almost end-abutting relationship.

Having illustrated and described what is presently a preferred embodiment of my invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same permits of modification in arrangement and detail. I claim as my invention all such modificiations as come within the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a system for conveying logs or other objects along a conveyor path,

apparatus for removing said objects laterally from said conveyor path at predetermined stations along said path, said means comprising:

kicker arm means at one side of said conveyor path at one of said stations,

means for moving said kicker arm means unidirectionally in a curved path through a complete kicking cycle from said one side across said conveyor path and back to said one side of said conveyor path without retracing said curved path as an object travels along said conveyor path through said one station and while said arm means moves in a plane of said conveyor path to engage a side of said object and push said object from an opposite side of said conveyor path at said one station.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said kicker arm means has only a unidirectional rotary motion.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said kicker arm means comprises a kicker arm rotatable through said conveyor path about an axis normal to said conveyor path.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein both said curved path of said kicker arm means and said conveyor path lie in a common generally horizontal plane.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said kicker arm means comprises a kicker arm rotatable about a substantially vertical axis at said one side of said conveyor path.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 including backstop means positioned on the opposite side of said conveyor path from said kicker arm means in a position for limiting the lateral movement of objects displaced from said conveyor path by said kicker arm means.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said backstop means includes an object-confronting face portion extending alongside and parallel to said conveyor path end of said backstop means, in a position for limiting the downstream travel of objects alongside said conveyor path upon displacement of said objects from said conveyor path by said kicker means and rearward displacement of said backstop means, said endstop means having a face portion for engaging the leading end of of a displaced object, said endstop face portion facing in a direction upstream of said conveyor path and normal to said backstop face portion.

9. Apparatus according to claim 6 including end stop means positioned on the opposite side of said conveyor path from said kicker means and downstream of and adjacent to said backstop means in a position for limiting the downstream travel of objects alongside said conveyor path upon displacement of said objects from said conveyor path by said kicker means and after engagement with said backstop means. i

10. A device for removing logs or other objects from a conveyor path comprising;

a kicker arm means mounted at one side of a conveyor path for rotation about an axis normal to said arm and said path, said arm means extending in a plane of said conveyor path,

said arm means being of sufficient length to extend across said path upon rotation thereof about said axis,

and means for rotating said arm means about said axis so as to move said arm means in one direction of rotation only from said one side of said path across said path and back to said one side for displacing an object from an opposite side of said path during rotational movement of said kicker arm means across said conveyor path.

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein said conveyor path is generally horizontal and said axis of rotation is generally vertical so that said arm means moves in a generally horizontal plane across said conveyor path.

12. A device according to claim 10 wherein said arm means extends alongside said conveyor path in the inactive condition of said arm means and rotates through a partial revolution across said path during one operating cycle of said arm means.

13. A device according to claim 10 wherein there is a pair of said arm means spaced apart along said one side of said conveyor path, said rotating means being operable to rotate both said arm means simultaneously across said conveyor path.

14. A device according to claim 10 wherein there are a pair of said arm means positioned along said one side of said conveyor path near one another, each said arm means of said pair including two kicker arms radiating in opposite directions from a common central shaft rotatable about said axis, said two arms of each arm means of said pair extending alongside said conveyor path in the inactive condition of said pair, said rotating means being operable to rotate one kicker arm of both said arm means simultaneously across said path during one operating cycle of said pair.

15. A device according to claim 14 wherein said one kicker arm of both arm means moves in the same rotational direction across said conveyor path.

16. A device according to claim 14 wherein said kicker arms of both arm means of said pair move in the same rotational direction across said path, said rotational direction being in the general direction of movement of objects along said conveyor path.

17. A device according to claim 10 wherein the rotational direction of movement of said arm means across said path is in the general direction of movement of objects along said path.

18. In a system for conveying logs or other objects 5 along a conveyor path,

apparatus for removing said objects laterally from said conveyor path at predetermined stations along said path, said means comprising:

kicker means at one side of said conveyor path,

means for moving said kicker means unidirectionally in a curved path from said one side across said conveyor path and back to said one side of said path while moving in a plane of said conveyor path to push an object from an opposite side of said conveyor path,

said kicker means following an arcuate path of at least approximately 180 in passing from said one side of said path across said conveyor and back to said one side.

19. A device for removing logs or objects from a conveyor path comprising:

a kicker arm means mounted at one side of a conveyor path for rotation about an axis normal to said arm and said path, said arm means extending in a plane of said conveyor path,

said arm means being of sufficient length to extend across said path upon rotation thereof about said axis,

and means for rotating said arm means about said axis so as to move said arm means from said one side of said path across said path and back to said one side for displacing an object from an opposite side of said path,

said arm means comprising a pair of kicker arms radiating in opposite directions from a common central shaft rotatable about said axis.

20. A log-sorting apparatus comprising:

conveyor means for conveying logs endwise along a conveyor path,

kicker arm means at each station on one side of said path for displacing a log traveling in said path laterally to the opposite side of said path,

kicker-operating means for moving said kicker arm means in a plane of said conveyor path from an inactive position at said one side unidirectionally in a curved kicker path across said conveyor path and back to said one side without retracing said kicker path to push a log from said opposite side.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 including logsensing means at each said station for detecting the presence of a log on said conveyor means at said station and activating said kicker-operating means upon sensing the presence of a selected log.

22. Apparatus according to claim 20 including back stop means at each station on the opposite side of said conveyor path from said kicker means for limiting the lateral travel of a log from said conveyor means.

e0 23. Apparatus according to claim 22 including end stop means at each station on said opposite sides of said conveyor path near a downstream end of said backstop means for limiting the endwise travel of a log displaced from said conveyor path by said kicker means and engaged by said endstop means.

24. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said mounted for rotation about an axis normal to said conveyor path and offset to one side of said conveyor path, said arm having a length sufficient to extend across said conveyor path upon rotation of said arm and being rotatable in one direction only across said path, said direction corresponding to the general direction of travel of logs along said conveyor path.

25. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said kicker means at each station includes at least two kicker arms mounted for rotation about separate, parallel axes normal to said conveyor path, said kickeroperating means being operable to rotate said arms simultaneously across said conveyor path.

26. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said kicker means at each station includes a pair of rotary kicker arm devices, each kicker arm device of a pair including two kicker arms radiating in opposite directions from a common central shaft having an axis of rotation normal to said conveyor path, said two kicker arms of each said device extending alongside said conveyor path in the inactive condition of said kickeroperating means, said kicker-operating means being operable to rotate said central shafts of said pair simultaneously through a one-half revolution during each operating cycle to rotate one arm of each said device of said pair simultaneously across said conveyor path.

27. A log-sorting apparatus comprising:

conveyor means for conveying logs endwise along a conveyor path,

a log-sorting station positioned along said conveyor path,

a kicker means at said station including at least one kicker arm movable across said conveyor path during the presence of a log at said station to displace a log moving along said path laterally to one side of said path at said station,

and log-limiting means at said station on said one side of said path for limiting lateral sidewise and endwise movement of a log displaced from said path at said station, said kicker arm being sufficiently long such that it maintains engagement with a displaced log at least until said log engages said log-limiting means.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said log-limiting means defines a generally vertically extending pocket at said station bounded by a sidewall and a downstream end wall for receiving and aligning logs displaced from said path.

29. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said log-limiting means includes a backstop means operable to limit lateral sidewise travel of a log from said path, said backstop means including a log-confronting face portion extending alongside and parallel to said conveyor path and biased to a position closely adjacent to said conveyor path at the vertical level of said path for displaced log along said backstop face portion.

v UNITED STATES PATENT 01 F101? CERTIFICATE 01* CORRECTION Patent No. r v u 74 Pa ed Auqust 13. 1974 Inventor(s) O1sen Roderick, Jr

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Inventor: "Olsen Roderick, Jr." should be -Roderick Olsen, Jr.--; column 1, line 40, between "overhead" and "system" insert --kicker; column 2, line 65, "members" should be -member-; column 3, line 9', between "20b" and "and"delet.e "x1"; column 3", line 14, "rotaory" should be --rotary--; column 4, line 8, "divded" should be --divided-; column 4'," line 52', "indicaed" should be -indicated--; column 5', line 68, between "inclination" and "member 86" insert -from the vertical, as clearly shown in Fig. 4, by an elastomer--; column 7, line 7, "Asorting" should be A sorting--; column 7, line 64, claim 8, "calim" should be --claim--; column 9, line 22, claim 19, between "or"' and "objects" insert --other-; Column 9, line 62, claim 23, "sides" should be -side--.

Signed and sealed this 5th day of November 1974.

(SEAL) Attest: I

MCCOY M, mason JR. to. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Qonmissioner of Patents FORM PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC eoa7e-- 

1. In a system for conveying logs or other objects along a conveyor path, apparatus for removing said objects laterally from said conveyor path at predetermined stations along said path, said means comprising: kicker arm means at one side of said conveyor path at one of said stations, means for moving said kicker arm means unidirectionally in a curved path through a complete kicking cycle from said one side across said conveyor path and back to said one side of said conveyor path without retracing said curved path as an object travels along said conveyor path through said one station and while said arm means moves in a plane of said conveyor path to engage a side of said object and push said object from an opposite side of said conveyor path at said one station.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said kicker arm means has only a unidirectional rotary motion.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said kicker arm means comprises a kicker arm rotatable through said conveyor path about an axis normal to said conveyor path.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein both said curved path of said kicker arm means and said conveyor path lie in a common generally horizontal plane.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said kicker arm means comprises a kicker arm rotatable about a substantially vertical axis at said one side of said conveyor path.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 including backstop means positioned on the opposite side of said conveyor path from said kicker arm means in a position for limiting the lateral movement of objects displaced from said conveyor path by said kicker arm means.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said backstop means includes an object-confronting face portion extending alongside and parallel to said conveyor path and normal to the direction of displacement of objects from said path, said face portion being biased to a position closely adjacent said conveyor path but being mounted for momentary rearward displacement away from said conveyor path upon being engaged by an object displaced form said path.
 8. Apparatus according to calim 7 including end stop means positioned on the opposite side of said conveyor path from said kicker means and at the downstream end of said backstop means, in a position for limiting the downstream travel of objects alongside said conveyor path upon displacement of said objects from said conveyor path by said kicker means and rearward displacement of said backstop means, said endstop means having a face portion for engaging the leading end of of a displaced object, said endstop face portion facing in a direction upstream of said conveyor path and normal to said backstop face portion.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 6 including end stop means positioned on the opposite side of said conveyor path from said kicker means and downstream of and adjacent to said backstop means in a position for limiting the downstream travel of objects alongside said conveyor path upon displacement of said objects from said conveyor path by said kicker means and after engagement with said backstop means.
 10. A device for removing logs or other objects from a conveyor path comprising; a kicker arm means mounted at one side of a conveyor path for rotation about an axis normal to said arm and said path, said arm means extending in a plane of said conveyor path, said arm means being of sufficient length to extend across said path upon rotation thereof about said axis, and means for rotating said arm means about said axis so as to move said arm means in one direction of rotation only from said one side of said path across said path and back to said one side for displacing an object from an opposite side of said path during rotational movement of said kicker arm means across said conveyor path.
 11. A device according to claim 10 wherein said conveyor path is generally horizontal and said axis of rotation is generally vertical so that said arm means moves in a generally horizontal plane across said conveyor path.
 12. A device according to claim 10 wherein said arm means extends alongside said conveyor path in the inactive condition of said arm means and rotates through a partial revolution across said path during one operating cycle of said arm means.
 13. A device according to claim 10 wherein there is a pair of said arm means spaced apart along said one side of said conveyor path, said rotating means being operable to rotate both said arm means simultaneously across said conveyor path.
 14. A device according to claim 10 wherein there are a pair of said arm means positioned along said one side of sAid conveyor path near one another, each said arm means of said pair including two kicker arms radiating in opposite directions from a common central shaft rotatable about said axis, said two arms of each arm means of said pair extending alongside said conveyor path in the inactive condition of said pair, said rotating means being operable to rotate one kicker arm of both said arm means simultaneously across said path during one operating cycle of said pair.
 15. A device according to claim 14 wherein said one kicker arm of both arm means moves in the same rotational direction across said conveyor path.
 16. A device according to claim 14 wherein said kicker arms of both arm means of said pair move in the same rotational direction across said path, said rotational direction being in the general direction of movement of objects along said conveyor path.
 17. A device according to claim 10 wherein the rotational direction of movement of said arm means across said path is in the general direction of movement of objects along said path.
 18. In a system for conveying logs or other objects along a conveyor path, apparatus for removing said objects laterally from said conveyor path at predetermined stations along said path, said means comprising: kicker means at one side of said conveyor path, means for moving said kicker means unidirectionally in a curved path from said one side across said conveyor path and back to said one side of said path while moving in a plane of said conveyor path to push an object from an opposite side of said conveyor path, said kicker means following an arcuate path of at least approximately 180* in passing from said one side of said path across said conveyor and back to said one side.
 19. A device for removing logs or objects from a conveyor path comprising: a kicker arm means mounted at one side of a conveyor path for rotation about an axis normal to said arm and said path, said arm means extending in a plane of said conveyor path, said arm means being of sufficient length to extend across said path upon rotation thereof about said axis, and means for rotating said arm means about said axis so as to move said arm means from said one side of said path across said path and back to said one side for displacing an object from an opposite side of said path, said arm means comprising a pair of kicker arms radiating in opposite directions from a common central shaft rotatable about said axis.
 20. A log-sorting apparatus comprising: conveyor means for conveying logs endwise along a conveyor path, kicker arm means at each station on one side of said path for displacing a log traveling in said path laterally to the opposite side of said path, kicker-operating means for moving said kicker arm means in a plane of said conveyor path from an inactive position at said one side unidirectionally in a curved kicker path across said conveyor path and back to said one side without retracing said kicker path to push a log from said opposite side.
 21. Apparatus according to claim 20 including log-sensing means at each said station for detecting the presence of a log on said conveyor means at said station and activating said kicker-operating means upon sensing the presence of a selected log.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 20 including backstop means at each station on the opposite side of said conveyor path from said kicker means for limiting the lateral travel of a log from said conveyor means.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 22 including end stop means at each station on said opposite sides of said conveyor path near a downstream end of said backstop means for limiting the endwise travel of a log displaced from said conveyor path by said kicker means and engaged by said endstop means.
 24. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said kicker means at each station includes a kicker arm mounted for rotation about an axis normal to said conveyor path and offset to one side of Said conveyor path, said arm having a length sufficient to extend across said conveyor path upon rotation of said arm and being rotatable in one direction only across said path, said direction corresponding to the general direction of travel of logs along said conveyor path.
 25. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said kicker means at each station includes at least two kicker arms mounted for rotation about separate, parallel axes normal to said conveyor path, said kicker-operating means being operable to rotate said arms simultaneously across said conveyor path.
 26. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said kicker means at each station includes a pair of rotary kicker arm devices, each kicker arm device of a pair including two kicker arms radiating in opposite directions from a common central shaft having an axis of rotation normal to said conveyor path, said two kicker arms of each said device extending alongside said conveyor path in the inactive condition of said kicker-operating means, said kicker-operating means being operable to rotate said central shafts of said pair simultaneously through a one-half revolution during each operating cycle to rotate one arm of each said device of said pair simultaneously across said conveyor path.
 27. A log-sorting apparatus comprising: conveyor means for conveying logs endwise along a conveyor path, a log-sorting station positioned along said conveyor path, a kicker means at said station including at least one kicker arm movable across said conveyor path during the presence of a log at said station to displace a log moving along said path laterally to one side of said path at said station, and log-limiting means at said station on said one side of said path for limiting lateral sidewise and endwise movement of a log displaced from said path at said station, said kicker arm being sufficiently long such that it maintains engagement with a displaced log at least until said log engages said log-limiting means.
 28. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said log-limiting means defines a generally vertically extending pocket at said station bounded by a sidewall and a downstream end wall for receiving and aligning logs displaced from said path.
 29. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said log-limiting means includes a backstop means operable to limit lateral sidewise travel of a log from said path, said backstop means including a log-confronting face portion extending alongside and parallel to said conveyor path and biased to a position closely adjacent to said conveyor path at the vertical level of said path for guiding a log in its endwise downstream travel following its displacement, said face portion being mounted for limited rearward movement upon engagement by a displaced log to enable the displaced log to drop downwardly between said face means and said conveyor path, and endstop means operable to limit downstream endwise movement of a log after said log engages said backstop means, said endstop means including a face portion normal to said backstop face portion for engaging and stopping the downstream endwise travel of a displaced log along said backstop face portion. 